Are you sick and tired of the usual picnic spots? Or are you just looking for the perfect place to have a one-of-a-kind experience? While the local park’s great lawn has its obvious appeal, sometimes you just want to mix it up a bit and go someplace a little less "everyday."
Any picnic veteran can tell you that, when it comes to a great outdoor eating experience, it all comes down to location, location, location! Picnic backpacks and other innovative gear make trekking to more out-of-the-way places much easier, too. Not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for a romantic atmosphere, adventure, quirkiness, or all of the above, consulting our great list of exotic suggestions would be a good place to begin your search!
Rooftops
What’s so exciting about a rooftop, you ask? Friend, it’s all about the view. You could be in Brooklyn, NY or Brooklyn, New Zealand—no matter what, you’ll be able to find a spectacular view. What better backdrop could there be than the skyline or a beautiful sunset? The kinds of roofs you can access are a lot more varied than you’d think! Check out your apartment building, your local park’s architecture, or even your barn! Of course, if you or your guests have a fear of heights this might not be the best option for you.
Outdoor Music Nights
Nowadays, many cities and towns have outdoor music nights in the summer. The atmosphere is the height of romance: fireflies dancing around your heads, silky jazz combos, cool night breezes. You can browse the calendar to find a group or genre that you like, or go on a random night to make it a surprise! Sometimes the venue will even have a cash bar on-site, which reduces the amount of stuff you’ll have to carry.
Sculpture Gardens
We don’t see too many people eating in sculpture gardens, which is surprising considering that most of them are open to picnickers. Perhaps it’s the strangeness of eating next to towering art objects that throws people. Don’t let the beauty of the surroundings intimidate you! Find the perfect spot between the giant bronze bear and mirror installation for a perfectly picturesque meal.
Vineyards
Vineyard picnics are the apex of rustic sophistication! Many vineyards (especially in Napa Valley) have designated picnic areas now, with big wooden tables set up by rows of their precious crop. You may find sweeping views of the hilly landscape and even special deck areas for tasting the vineyard’s offerings. Just be forewarned: you may need to reserve a spot in advance, so be sure to check, and don’t forget your picnic basket.
Bike Trails
If you have the means to tote your goods by bicycle, pedal out to the bike trails where you live! The farther out you go, the more potential spots you’ll find. You can eat in grassy areas right next to the trail, under bridges or by streams. This approach offers much more variety than simply driving around to find a space, and you can discover totally new locations this way!